Healthy snacks that do not need to be cooked can be quick and convenient additions to a balanced diet. There are many nutritious foods that can be combined to increase your vitamin and mineral intake as well as provide a tasty and satisfying snack. Patricia Bannan notes in her book, "Eat Right When Time Is Tight: 150 Slim-down Strategies and No-Cook Food Fixes," that eating healthy snacks will keep your blood sugar and serotonin levels steady, which will help prevent cravings for unhealthy foods. No-cook snacks help you eat right even when your time is limited.
Strawberries With "Cream"
Strawberries and cream is a decadent dessert that is high in fat and calories. Creating a healthy alternative to cream allows you to enjoy a quick, no-cook snack that is also nutritious. Combine 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt with a splash of balsamic vinegar and a squirt of honey. This combination is low in fat and also supplies calcium, protein and antioxidants. Serve the cream with fresh strawberries for a dose of vitamin C and fiber.
Tomatoes With Mozzarella
A snack that combines tomatoes with mozzarella will supply vitamin C, calcium and protein. Amy Wilensky notes in her book, "Knack Healthy Snacks for Kids: Recipes for Nutritious Bites at Home Or On the Go," that this combination will satisfy your hunger. Cut a large, ripe tomato into thin slices. Thinly slice low-fat mozzarella cheese as well. Layer the tomatoes and mozzarella and top them with a few leaves of fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Nuts and Fruit
Nuts are a rich source of magnesium and vitamin E and also supply fiber, protein and unsaturated fats. Bannan recommends a few nuts and a piece of fruit as a nutritious snack that does not need to be cooked. Stick to a handful of nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts, since they are high in calories. Add an apple, orange, kiwi, banana, peach or pear, and your snack will also contain fiber, vitamin C and potassium.
Pita Pockets
A whole wheat pita pocket supplies fiber and will keep hunger away until your next meal. There are many no-cook ingredients with which to fill a pita pocket and create a nutritious snack. A combination of hummus, cucumber slices and carrot sticks is packed with beta-carotene and protein. Ricotta cheese and melon cubes supply calcium and potassium. Low-fat plain yogurt, pineapple, kiwi and mango create a nutrient-dense tropical snack. Limit your snack to half a pita pocket to keep your portion appropriately sized for a snack.
References
- "Eat Right When Time Is Tight: 150 Slim-down Strategies and No-Cook Food Fixes"; Patricia Bannan; 2010
- "Knack Healthy Snacks for Kids: Recipes for Nutritious Bites at Home Or On the Go"; Amy Wilensky; 2010
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